Name: Raymond Wentman
Age: 28
I am proud to be a British soldier.
I have a wonderful family that I rarely get to see. My wife, Laura is beautiful, and I could never ask for anyone better. I have four children who are also wonderful: Julia, 1, James, 4, John, 7, and Joseph, 6. I am so proud of my country. We have the best navy in the world. Germany likes to think they have a good navy, but they are just pretenders. I don't mind fighting in the war too much, but I can't wait 'til it's over, because I miss my family so much. I mostly stay in the trenches and fight. The longest I have ever been in a trench is six weeks. I learned how to use a machine gun. They are so much easier to use than a rifle, and they are much more effective as well. My wonderful family portrait!
Week 1, Why Britain is in the war:
Well, Britain is part of the entente, which also includes France, Russia, and Belgium which is one of the two reasons our awesome country got involved in this terrible war. When Austria declared war with Serbia, they were already in alliance with the entente, so Britain was carried into the war. The second reason is because of militarism. Britain has the strongest navy in the world. Germany is trying to build up their navy to be stronger than ours, but that isn't going to
happen! We are the greatest, and because of that, we aren't liked by Germanywho is part of the Central Powers.
Big News: June 28, 1914!Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife, Sophie of Austria-Hungary were assassinated! Archduke Franz Ferdinand and Sophie I am not surprised much, he had it coming. The Black Hand terrorist group were the people who assassinated him. The group was from Serbia. Serbian nationalists took the visit from the Archduke to their country as a threat. A member of the Black Hand threw a bomb at the Archduke's car, but neither killed the Archduke or Sophie, his wife. Then, anothermember of the group, fired two shots, and killed both Ferdinand and his wife. When Austria found out, they declared war on Serbia. Austria had made alliances with the Central Powers. Serbia made alliances with the entente, which is another reason Britain is involved in this war. Week 2, Battle Plan: Our battle plan to win this atrocious war is to be ruthless. We can't let our feelings get the best of us. Some people are in trenches, others are in airplanes, and some are on regular ground. We use rifles, machine guns, and bombs. I think machine guns are the most effective, easy way to kill. They can fire much faster than regular old rifles. I also find them much more easy to manage. We don't have too many.
Me shooting with a new machine gun.
Just a Regular old Day, November 21 1914: There ain't nothing special about today! I sat with my gun pointed at the enemies trenches for eight hours straight. The enemy's trenches are so close to ours, neither side can advance. We also can't advance because of the machine guns. Although they are benefits to us, they also harm us when the enemies have them. I don't know how much longer this war will last. Everyone suspects that it will be a really short, war. All I know is I hope it is quick, because I miss my children like crazy. It is almost Thanksgiving and it kills me to know that I will be spending it without my family.
Here is a poem I wrote this evening:
Germans only wish they could be like us British
Their boats couldn't even go faster than a school of fish
They are neither as strong, nor as dedicated as we
This is something even a blind man could see
It's Christmas, and I'm in a TRENCH! December 25, 1914:
I can't even believe it. I am stuck in a trench all day on Christmas. All I can think about is my wife and kids, wondering what they are doing at this exact moment. My family did send me a care package though. The box included four pictures, one drawn by each of my children, one chocolate bar, some apples (my favorite), and some ears of corn. My wife knows how hard it is to get good produce while involved in a war, so she is always sure to send some in my packages. Some men don't get anything from family, which breaks my heart. I am always sure to share with all my buddies, and they do the same for me. It has gotten very cold. My toes feel like little ice-cubes all the time now. Yesterday was a strange day. There were Chinese lanterns hanging all over, and Christmas trees, too! We were in the trenches with our guns pointed toward the enemy, when the Germans came up to our trenches and said, "Hey, I want to talk to you!" It turns out that for that Christmas Eve, there was no fighting for us. It was like we made an unofficial truce or something. We all played soccer together, Germans and British. We roasted geese, and we even shared our chocolate with them. They shared some of their gifts with us as well. Then today, it was all back to normal, we were fighting again. It may be the strangest thing I've ever seen.
"Propaganda" is the spreading of ideas and information to promote a certain cause, or to damage an opposing cause. This is our latest propaganda poster. This specific poster recruits soldiers, and recruits people to support organizations to support the war effort at home. It uses emotional symbols because it has children asking their father about his part in this war. I think propaganda posters work extremely well. I joined the war because of a propaganda poster myself, and I know many of my friends did as well.
Lusitania, May 1915:
I can't even believe it. Those dumb Germans sunk one of our ships, the Lusitania. They actually thought that it was carrying weapons, but it was carrying people! They killed 1200 people, 128 of them were Americans. They just go around assuming that we are getting weapons from ships! Everyone here is mad! Next time they want to do something big like this, those dumb Germans need to get the facts straight.
Christmas, 1916:
Yet another Christmas has gone by without my family. I honestly don't know how much longer I can take this. I feel like a part of me is missing. Although I love feeling proud, and fighting for my country, I think enough is enough. I am tired of always fighting. I just want to go home.
The Zimmerman Note, January 23, 1917:
A British man discovered a telegram, from Germany to Mexico on January 19. He gave it to the American government. It was asking Mexico to become part of the Central Powers. In return, Germany was going to help Mexico reconquer the lost land of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona from the United States. It was written by Arthur Zimmerman, a German foreign minister.
President Wilson, April, 1917:
The rumor is that America's President, Woodrow Wilson, asked Congress to declare war on Germany! This means that the Americans would be on our side! They would be a great addition to the entente! I really hope this is more than just a rumor!
Russia has dropped out, and the U.S.A. is in, January, 1918!
Well, Russia has now dropped out of the war, because they are having a revolution in their home country. We will be at a loss without them, they were very dedicated young men, they put all their efforts into this war, in alliance with us. America sent almost two million men over to help us! The United States of America has joined the entente as a reaction to the Zimmerman Note! They are powerful, fresh, rested men that are well trained and aren't worn out like all of us soldiers that have been here for a while. I think they will advance our chances of finally winning this war greatly because of that. I am so happy that they have decided to join us.
Working out the treaty.
The day I have waited for, November 12, 1918:
The Germans sought armistice with us yesterday, at exactly eleven o'clock A.M. A while back, at the beginning of the year, the Germans told the Kaiser that they were not going to be able to win the war. I am just so thrilled that I will finally get to go home to be with my wife and children. Laura says that Julia, James, John, and Joseph are all so much different than the last time I saw them. I am not going to tell them I am coming home until I get there, so I can surprise them! I can't even wait! The treaty that really ended the war, was the Treaty of Versailles. We (the Allies) made a treaty, and then we made the Germans sign it. Here's what the treaty required:
1. Germans must assume full blame for the war.
2. Germans must pay reparations.
3. Germany must return Lorraine and Alsace to France.
4. Germany's oversea colonies were taken away from them.
Some people think the treaty was a little harsh on Germany, and I agree. David Lloyd George, the Prime Minister of Britain, thinks we were way too harsh on them.
Home at Last, November 29, 1918:
I am finally home. I got home on the day before Thanksgiving. My family was ecstatic to see me. All of my children have grown so much, they are beautiful. Our town threw a big celebration for all of us soldiers that had come home from the war. It will be so good to be able to sleep soundly at night again. It is so wonderful to be back home, where I am loved.
Name: Raymond Wentman
Age: 28
I am proud to be a British soldier.
I have a wonderful family that I rarely get to see. My wife, Laura is beautiful, and I could never ask for anyone better. I have four children who are also wonderful: Julia, 1, James, 4, John, 7, and Joseph, 6. I am so proud of my country. We have the best navy in the world. Germany likes to think they have a good navy, but they are just pretenders. I don't mind fighting in the war too much, but I can't wait 'til it's over, because I miss my family so much. I mostly stay in the trenches and fight. The longest I have ever been in a trench is six weeks. I learned how to use a machine gun. They are so much easier to use than a rifle, and they are much more effective as well.
My wonderful family portrait!
Week 1, Why Britain is in the war:
Well, Britain is part of the entente, which also includes France, Russia, and Belgium which is one of the two reasons our awesome country got involved in this terrible war. When Austria declared war with Serbia, they were already in alliance with the entente, so Britain was carried into the war. The second reason is because of militarism. Britain has the strongest navy in the world. Germany is trying to build up their navy to be stronger than ours, but that isn't going to
happen! We are the greatest, and because of that, we aren't liked by Germany who is part of the Central Powers.
Big News: June 28, 1914!Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife, Sophie of Austria-Hungary were assassinated! Archduke Franz Ferdinand and Sophie I am not surprised much, he had it coming. The Black Hand terrorist group were the people who assassinated him. The group was from Serbia. Serbian nationalists took the visit from the Archduke to their country as a threat. A member of the Black Hand threw a bomb at the Archduke's car, but neither killed the Archduke or Sophie, his wife. Then, another member of the group, fired two shots, and killed both Ferdinand and his wife. When Austria found out, they declared war on Serbia. Austria had made alliances with the Central Powers. Serbia made alliances with the entente, which is another reason Britain is involved in this war.
Week 2, Battle Plan:
Our battle plan to win this atrocious war is to be ruthless. We can't let our feelings get the best of us. Some people are in trenches, others are in airplanes, and some are on regular ground. We use rifles, machine guns, and bombs. I think machine guns are the most effective, easy way to kill. They can fire much faster than regular old rifles. I also find them much more easy to manage. We don't have too many.
Just a Regular old Day, November 21 1914:
There ain't nothing special about today! I sat with my gun pointed at the enemies trenches for eight hours straight. The enemy's trenches are so close to ours, neither side can advance. We also can't advance because of the machine guns. Although they are benefits to us, they also harm us when the enemies have them. I don't know how much longer this war will last. Everyone suspects that it will be a really short, war. All I know is I hope it is quick, because I miss my children like crazy. It is almost Thanksgiving and it kills me to know that I will be spending it without my family.
Here is a poem I wrote this evening:
Germans only wish they could be like us British
Their boats couldn't even go faster than a school of fish
They are neither as strong, nor as dedicated as we
This is something even a blind man could see
It's Christmas, and I'm in a TRENCH! December 25, 1914:
I can't even believe it. I am stuck in a trench all day on Christmas. All I can think about is my wife and kids, wondering what they are doing at this exact moment. My family did send me a care package though. The box included four pictures, one drawn by each of my children, one chocolate bar, some apples (my favorite), and some ears of corn. My wife knows how hard it is to get good produce while involved in a war, so she is always sure to send some in my packages. Some men don't get anything from family, which breaks my heart. I am always sure to share with all my buddies, and they do the same for me. It has gotten very cold. My toes feel like little ice-cubes all the time now. Yesterday was a strange day. There were Chinese lanterns hanging all over, and Christmas trees, too! We were in the trenches with our guns pointed toward the enemy, when the Germans came up to our trenches and said, "Hey, I want to talk to you!" It turns out that for that Christmas Eve, there was no fighting for us. It was like we made an unofficial truce or something. We all played soccer together, Germans and British. We roasted geese, and we even shared our chocolate with them. They shared some of their gifts with us as well. Then today, it was all back to normal, we were fighting again. It may be the strangest thing I've ever seen.
"Propaganda" is the spreading of ideas and information to promote a certain cause, or to damage an opposing cause. This is our latest propaganda poster. This specific poster recruits soldiers, and recruits people to support organizations to support the war effort at home. It uses emotional symbols because it has children asking their father about his part in this war. I think propaganda posters work extremely well. I joined the war because of a propaganda poster myself, and I know many of my friends did as well.
Lusitania, May 1915:
I can't even believe it. Those dumb Germans sunk one of our ships, the Lusitania. They actually thought that it was carrying weapons, but it was carrying people! They killed 1200 people, 128 of them were Americans. They just go around assuming that we are getting weapons from ships! Everyone here is mad! Next time they want to do something big like this, those dumb Germans need to get the facts straight.
Christmas, 1916:
Yet another Christmas has gone by without my family. I honestly don't know how much longer I can take this. I feel like a part of me is missing. Although I love feeling proud, and fighting for my country, I think enough is enough. I am tired of always fighting. I just want to go home.
The Zimmerman Note, January 23, 1917:
A British man discovered a telegram, from Germany to Mexico on January 19. He gave it to the American government. It was asking Mexico to become part of the Central Powers. In return, Germany was going to help Mexico reconquer the lost land of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona from the United States. It was written by Arthur Zimmerman, a German foreign minister.
President Wilson, April, 1917:
The rumor is that America's President, Woodrow Wilson, asked Congress to declare war on Germany! This means that the Americans would be on our side! They would be a great addition to the entente! I really hope this is more than just a rumor!
Russia has dropped out, and the U.S.A. is in, January, 1918!
Well, Russia has now dropped out of the war, because they are having a revolution in their home country. We will be at a loss without them, they were very dedicated young men, they put all their efforts into this war, in alliance with us. America sent almost two million men over to help us! The United States of America has joined the entente as a reaction to the Zimmerman Note! They are powerful, fresh, rested men that are well trained and aren't worn out like all of us soldiers that have been here for a while. I think they will advance our chances of finally winning this war greatly because of that. I am so happy that they have decided to join us.
The day I have waited for, November 12, 1918:
The Germans sought armistice with us yesterday, at exactly eleven o'clock A.M. A while back, at the beginning of the year, the Germans told the Kaiser that they were not going to be able to win the war. I am just so thrilled that I will finally get to go home to be with my wife and children. Laura says that Julia, James, John, and Joseph are all so much different than the last time I saw them. I am not going to tell them I am coming home until I get there, so I can surprise them! I can't even wait! The treaty that really ended the war, was the Treaty of Versailles. We (the Allies) made a treaty, and then we made the Germans sign it. Here's what the treaty required:
1. Germans must assume full blame for the war.
2. Germans must pay reparations.
3. Germany must return Lorraine and Alsace to France.
4. Germany's oversea colonies were taken away from them.
Some people think the treaty was a little harsh on Germany, and I agree. David Lloyd George, the Prime Minister of Britain, thinks we were way too harsh on them.
Home at Last, November 29, 1918:
I am finally home. I got home on the day before Thanksgiving. My family was ecstatic to see me. All of my children have grown so much, they are beautiful. Our town threw a big celebration for all of us soldiers that had come home from the war. It will be so good to be able to sleep soundly at night again. It is so wonderful to be back home, where I am loved.